Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Oct 7: Chandrappa (23), a constable attached to Bhatkal police station on the border of the taluk, was killed after the police motor bike in which he was travelling, was hit by a van that was illegally trafficking cattle, on Wednesday October 6. He was a native of Haveri district.  V J Rajesh (33), the other constable who was riding the bike, was admitted into a private hospital here with grievous injuries. Rajesh hails from Sirsi.

The two were discharging duties at Bhatkal check post, when a van loaded with cattle, moved forward without stopping, even after they signalled it to stop. A tempo that followed the first vehicle, also sped past, without caring to stop. The policemen chased the vehicles in their motor bike. One of the vehicles then hit their bike near Sri Venkatramana temple in Bhatkal, critically injuring Chandrappa, who was on the pillion. Chandrappa died while being taken to a hospital.

The accused abandoned their vehicle and disappeared. About 25 heads of cattle, which were reportedly being taken to Bhatkal from the town, were found to have been cramped inside the vehicle. In a related incident, the shops and other establishments observed voluntary bandh since Wednesday afternoon. Activists of Hindu organizations mobbed the Bhatkal police station and urged the policemen to immediately arrest the culprits.